Gender plays a critical role in the recruitment and use of child soldiers by Boko Haram, with the group's strategies and use of children differing based on gender. Boys are often recruited as combatants, guards, or scouts, reflecting traditional masculine roles of fighters and protectors. In contrast, girls are frequently used in non-combatant roles, such as cooks or cleaners, and tragically as "wives" (sex slaves) to fighters or suicide bombers. This use of girls not only reflects deep-rooted gender biases and societal norms about the role of women but also demonstrates a strategic manipulation by Boko Haram of cultural perceptions of femininity and innocence. The gendered exploitation amplifies the traumas faced by child soldiers and reflects broader gender dynamics and inequalities within the context of armed conflict.

Rehabilitating and reintegrating former child soldiers from Boko Haram into society presents several challenges. Firstly, the severe psychological trauma experienced by these children, including exposure to violence, abuse, and, in some cases, participation in atrocities, requires extensive and sustained mental health support. Secondly, the stigma attached to former child soldiers can hinder reintegration, with communities often viewing them with suspicion or fear, complicating efforts to restore social bonds. Additionally, the disrupted education and lack of vocational skills make economic reintegration difficult, as these children are often ill-equipped to find employment or resume normal schooling. Finally, the ongoing conflict and instability in northeastern Nigeria limit the availability of resources and safe environments necessary for effective reintegration programmes, thus requiring a multi-faceted and well-supported approach to address these challenges comprehensively.

The long-term impacts of child soldier recruitment in northeastern Nigeria are devastating and multi-faceted. Communities affected by this practice often face social fragmentation, as the recruitment of children creates mistrust and fear among residents. Child soldiers returning from armed groups encounter stigmatisation, making reintegration challenging. This stigma not only affects the children but also their families, contributing to further marginalisation and socio-economic difficulties. The use of children in armed conflict also disrupts education systems, leading to a lack of skilled labour in the future and perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability. Psychologically, the trauma experienced by child soldiers leads to long-term mental health issues, affecting not only the individuals but the wider community, as these traumas impact social interactions and community cohesion.

Boko Haram's use of child soldiers shares some commonalities with other armed groups globally, such as the use of coercion, abduction, and exploitation of vulnerabilities, especially poverty. However, there are unique aspects too. Unlike some groups that primarily use child soldiers as combatants or support roles, Boko Haram notoriously uses children, including girls, as suicide bombers, exploiting not just their socio-economic vulnerabilities but also societal gender perceptions. This tactic is particularly disturbing and represents a severe form of psychological manipulation. Furthermore, the group's ideological opposition to Western education leads them to target schools and education, directly impacting children and contributing to a cycle of poverty and radicalisation. This contrasts with some armed groups that might not specifically target educational institutions.

The involvement of children in armed groups like Boko Haram poses a significant challenge to international law and human rights conventions. It directly violates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stipulates that children should not be recruited into armed forces or groups and should be protected from participation in hostilities. Additionally, the use of children in warfare contravenes the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, which raises the minimum age for direct participation in hostilities to 18. The practices of Boko Haram also challenge the implementation and enforcement of these laws, as the group operates outside state control and international legal frameworks. This violation not only impacts the children involved but also undermines the global effort to protect child rights and maintain humanitarian standards in conflict zones.